New Tune

[LLV ST]

If I get a tune and flash it back to stock before a service or warranty claim can the Ford Dealer see that it had been tuned before and void the warranty if related or harass me about the tune?
Thanks in advance

 

[Combatvet]

YES, YES, and YES.

 

[LLV ST]

Guess I am better off getting the Ford Performance tune then
Thanks

 

[2020FordRaptor]

If I get a tune and flash it back to stock before a service or warranty claim can the Ford Dealer see that it had been tuned before and void the warranty if related or harass me about the tune?
Thanks in advance

Yes they have more then one way to see that it has been tuned even if you flash back to stock. Most dealers won’t care unless it’s a really big ticket item, others will nitpick.

Guess I am better off getting the Ford Performance tune then
Thanks

Not necessarily:

http://explorerstenthusiasts.com/2025/11/26/no-ford-performance-parts-technically-void-warranty/

 

[Wohop]

Yes they have more then one way to see that it has been tuned even if you flash back to stock. Most dealers won’t care unless it’s a really big ticket item, others will nitpick.

Not necessarily:

http://explorerstenthusiasts.com/2025/11/26/no-ford-performance-parts-technically-void-warranty/

I’ve only heard they can see key cycles what else can they look for?

 

[Gadgtfreek]

It's a count since the last flash. It's simple, but if they look and you shredded a motor or tranny, well.

I'm not overly worried about it, but my view would be to at least flash back to normal before going in for a warranty issue like that. Don't want them seeing the gear indicator for the transmission, as they could say "tune". I'd even turn off my engine shutoff disable. And don't roll in with ZFG or Livernois Tuning stickers on the back window, lol. When you look at mine, I have an exhaust and wheels. Still likely to draw attention, but I can turn off the other stuff swiftly. Kinda why I've fought myself on lowering it; it just draws more attention.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I’ve only heard they can see key cycles what else can they look for?

Lots of things, depends how far they want to look. Key cycles are the simpler ones, they can look at how many times the pcm has been flashed, if they want to go even further they can look at parameters that the code came under (if you got a code).

 

[GooseTuned]

The dealers don't really look for tuning at all if you don't go in with a tune. They would be more prone to look for physical modifications.

Put the tune back to stock, add 10-15 key cycles, then take the car in for service/maintenance/warranty.

I'm tuning for several dealers at the moment, this is what they have advised me. This is also what has worked for me with thousands of customers over the past 10 years.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

What counts as a "ket cycle"? Is it just starting and then turning off?

 

[2020FordRaptor]

What counts as a "ket cycle"? Is it just starting and then turning off?

Yes.

 

[BuckStrickland]

Guess I am better off getting the Ford Performance tune then
Thanks

Sure, if you want to spend a ton of money for almost no noticeable output. It's like the difference in changing your car from "Eco" to "Normal." it barely wakes it up.

 

[LLV ST]

Which tune do you guys recommend if I only do a Thermal 3" exhaust?

 

[BuckStrickland]

Which tune do you guys recommend if I only do a Thermal 3" exhaust?

You're gonna get mixed opinions here, and keep in mind that especially on this platform, a lot of "experts".. well.. aren't.

Anyway, my recommendations are to ALSO add an aftermarket intercooler, so you can actually utilize the benefits of your tune without being constantly heat soaked.

The tune itself? I personally run @ZFGracing and have had a wonderful experience with them and their tunes, others really like GooseTuned, and that's fine too.

A purpose built aftermarket tune is going to be leaps and bounds above the canned Ford Performance tune.

It's like buying a suit off the shelf, or having one tailored to fit you.